AJS & Matchless Owners Club

HI all,

I am new to the forum and have just taken delivery of a 1961 Matchless G12 CSR that I purchased from Kettering Classics (much thanks to Andy Smith for his help and advice).

Anyway being only 5'8" I have found that the bars are too low for me so I in looking for a more upright riding position so I am thinking of getting some different handlebars. I have seen some CSR's and G12's fitted with trials type bars (e.g. Dave Chatley's AJS Model 31 in Matthew Vale's book Page 61) or riser bars (aka Norton Commando bars). I was therefore wondering if anyone had any advice and guidance as to what the best bars might be?

The ones I have looked at so far are as follows:
https://www.classicbikepartscheshire.co ... wide-p2504
https://www.classicbikepartscheshire.co ... eter-p1136

Thanks in advance.
Gary

Welcome to the forum Gary.
One thing to consider is that if you do get higher bars you may need longer cables.
I fitted higher bars to my bike and it certainly helps with my bad back.

I did'nt like the standard csr bars and put on a standard amc set of bars. Transformed the ride, very please i did it and as the rise was not to great, i didnt have to change any cables

Thanks guys and I think that I'll fit the Norton Commando bars as these seem to be often referred to as semi-western bars and the export CSR models were fitted with what the parts list refer to as semi-western bars.

As regards cables I may well get these made up by Venhill and have their featherlight versions.

Something to be aware of is the length of the straight section that clamps to the top yoke, some bars are too wide here before the up bend and can foul the tank when you turn on full lock.

Thanks Duncan and something to watch.

I was wondering if anyone has a picture of an export model G12 CSR so I can try and get an idea of whether the Norton bars are a close match.

Classic Bike Parts have a bar described as a semi-western set that may be an option:
https://www.classicbikeshop.co.uk/norto ... ebars.html

Wouldn't it make more sense to buy from a specialist AJS & Matchless supplier, so that you can then be certain they fit the Teledraulic forks without hitting the tank?

I put the commando bars on my G15/45 with no problems.

Lovely bike. Hydraulic front brake? I bet that slows you down well!
Dave.

griffin wrote: ↑Thu Oct 28, 2021 1:58 pm I put the commando bars on my G15/45 with no problems.

Hi Griffin

That's what I was after. So are these the UK or export spec Commando bars or better do you have a link for where you got them from?